Gordon Walker
Markinch,Fife
Summary
I see myself as being supportive, driven and understanding the relevance of customer service with a history of career progression. Further to this I understand the relevance of the supplier relationship and customer relationship and how to get the best out my team. Following on from this I would describe myself as being commercially astute holding experience from all sides of the fence, front end sales, to Supply Chain in Procurement and Inventory to Commercials.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Category Manager Cable
Rexel
National, National
06.2025 - Current
- Directed supply chain for UK cable strategy, improving efficiency and market responsiveness. (£60m)
- Executed Rexel’s Direct Sourcing Strategy by engaging with foreign manufacturers (£35m)
- Supervised daily operations encompassing tendering, order placements, customs, and logistics.
- Negotiated favorable commercial terms to enhance supply chain effectiveness.
- Promoted product innovations to position Rexel at forefront of industry developments.
- Leveraged skills in purchasing and inventory management to improve operational workflows.
- Derived company promotional activity on Cable for the year. Determining our Sell Out Cost and supplier contribution.
- Responsible for a Team of Two on Site at Rexel as part of 9AA Implant Operation and Rexel Cable Solutions.
- Negotiate Commercial Trading terms with our UK Based supply chain and ensure we hit these numbers end of year.
- Expected to present every quarter our Category Numbers and our resolutions to prevent any sales shortfall to Chief Commercial Officer.
Product Manager Cable & Data Comm
Rexel
National
01.2022 - Current
- Part of job role is to manage existing supplier relationships and develop new supplier relationships where we are missing an opportunity.
- Responsible for the National Cable Offer Plan in DC1 to ensure we have the correct product on the shelf and quantities available. Whether it’s bringing new products to market or exit strategy for products in the business we wish to offload.
- Look after our UK Supply Chain Cable Matrix and Direct Sourcing Matrix to ensure we can acquire the best price in the market.
- Negate price increases and push back where possible.
- Ensure Rexel Cable Web Offering's continual development in terms of accuracy of product attributes and standards.
- Guaranteed we deliver the Electrical Essentials Catalogue on time and make sure all new products are captured with appropriate detail given to publisher.
- Support for branches in relation to standards and cable accreditation surrounding BASEC Approval & CPR Compliance.
- Ensure items are set up on our system for products.
Product Manager Circuit Protection
Rexel
National
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Learned the ropes of what is required to be Product Manager
Rexel Procurement and Inventory Project Manager
Rexel
Kirkcaldy
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Responsible for Onboarding New Suppliers for EDI Implementation
- Delivered 8 suppliers for API mirroring on the Web of suppliers stock levels.
- Onboarded 4 suppliers onto EDI Acknowledgments. So we have accurate dates from suppliers going live into are ERP system.
- Capturing Lead Time information from suppliers to be put onto the Web.
- Creating additional benefit for Rexel targeted with £50k a month in better buys.
Procurement and Inventory Assistant Manger
Rexel
Kirkcaldy
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Reporting to the Procurement and Inventory Manager I looked after a team of 30 broken down into 3 offices.
- Evaluated individual work performance and advised on career development.
- Come from wholesaling background always eager to help branches resolve problems quickly and thoroughly with the end user in mind.
- Enjoy making a difference in network, get a kick out of problem-solving with branches and negotiating deals with suppliers.
- Worked closely with the Procurement Manager to design and implement new office procedures, fundamentally making the teams job easier.
- Learned at the Electric Center and Rexel to work under pressure to achieve each businesses KPI whether it’s been the sales budget or stock availability.
- Having worked within a Rexel for 12 years, I realise the importance of customer focus and service. From serving the counter and telesales I have gained an understanding of the customer base in Fife and the surrounding area.
- With 15 years’ experience in the industry I have developed a better understanding of Wholesaling, branch processes and Commercial awareness.
Education
Skills
- Monitoring on going spends with suppliers taking appropriate action where necessary evaluating with Category Managers areas of weakness and development
- Escalating product issues with suppliers and ensuring we get the outcome needed and moving supply
- Capable of communicating effectively to all levels of Management from Regional Commercial Managers, Branch Managers, Category Managers or from a National Perspective with both Suppliers and Manufacturers
- On numerous occasions mediated conflicts between staff and offices
- Successfully bought electrical components for four different companies moving towards one Rexel Giving me a better understanding of the business and improved product knowledge from cable to new product innovation with key suppliers
- Cross functional engagement with all parts of business purchasing, marketing, logistics
- Microsoft Office literate in all aspects – word, excel, access and power point
Affiliations
- I enjoy playing golf as one of my favourite past times. More recently I have found enjoyment in dog walking and hill walking with my partner.
Accomplishments
Rexel Team Leader Academy 2013 – 2014 June
Green Belt Lean Sigma Six Training December 2014-15
GAP Negotiation Training January 2025
Certification
Driving Licence
Fundamentals of Electricity Credit City and Guilds
Product Knowledge of Electricity City and Guilds
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Category Manager Cable
Rexel
06.2025 - Current
Product Manager Cable & Data Comm
Rexel
01.2022 - Current
Product Manager Circuit Protection
Rexel
01.2021 - 01.2022
Rexel Procurement and Inventory Project Manager
Rexel
01.2020 - 01.2021
Procurement and Inventory Assistant Manger
Rexel
01.2017 - 01.2020